Italian Dream

The series "The White Lotus - season 2" likewise season 1 is very well written, with an amazing assembly cast and with parallel stories that hold the viewer's attention. Writer and director Mike White this time around, creates his White Lotus resort in beautiful Taormina, Italy and he couldn't have chosen a more perfect culture to place his strange characters in. A mixture of Italian tradition, mafia, romance, comedy, family, sexuality, with American self-centeredness. Not only does Jennifer Jennifer Coolidge shine enormously as Tania again, but also Adam DiMarco as Albie, Haley Lu Richardson as Portia, Simona Tabasco as Lucia, Will Sharpe as Ethan, Aubrey Plaza as Harper, Beatrice Grannò as Mia, Sabrina Impacciatore as Valentina, Leo Woodall as Jack. Each one of them was perfect in characterizing their characters.

Even with an incredible setting and new cast I didn't resonate with this one that much either. Maybe it's the cast itself with way less star power than season one where it hasn't fully hooked me yet. What it does well is the cinematography and incredible setting. I think I love the Italian vibe over the Hawaiian vibe. But these characters haven't opened up for me yet. Tanya and Greg aren't as wholesome as season one, you can feel the tension. The young double couple isn't deplorable enough to get me hooked yet aren't wholesome enough for me to engage with them. Same with the Di Grasso family. Quite a flawed family but I don't know what to make of them yet. The episode is funny though. What The White Lotus does well through each season is that dry humor that makes me laugh consistently. I've heard this season is epic and this episode isn't mediocre enough to make me tune out. 3/5 stars.

Some great writing in this episode. The way White likes to explore the troubles of modern masculinity is more unique than most TV and I've been enjoying it. The first season had the emasculated brother, and this one has the son who says he doesn't want to be like his dad, that he wants to be the nice guy. Yet he finds himself attracted to "pretty wounded birds".

I was surprised to see some vulnerability from the character who I thought in the first episode would be the bro; what he said about his experience when his wife gave birth was totally unexpected.

It's also nice to see someone on TV talking about what we're all exhausted with right now: the online world, from dating to social media to all things non-reality. Truly a good season so far!

I thought season one was decent, but wow, I really enjoyed last weeks episode, and this one was even better IMO.

The Sicily vacation vibe is spot on at all times, and the music couldn't be better suited for it. Cristobal Tapia de Veer is absolutely exceptional, and his music for both season 1 and 2 have both been gorgeous. The cinematography is also beautiful, some of the best I've seen this year. I noticed there's a lot of implied foreshadowing that works with the music to contribute to a darker tone, which I definitely like.

The writing is some of the best I've seen in a show in a while, in terms of characters and acting. The mystery of the dead bodies shown at the beginning of episode 1 has been very effective at keeping me in suspense, and with conflict coming from all directions it seems anyone could be the victim or the perpetrator.

Every actor does an amazing job at being funny, but also believable and complex. Despite the extensive cast, nobody feels expendable. I really like the performances from the actresses who play Lucia and Mia. I find them quite likable, and they have a really good dynamic as friends.

If this season keeps the momentum it has built throughout the first 2 episodes, I think it will sweep the Emmy's just like it did for season one. I couldn't be happier with the way it's going so far.

The White Lotus Season 2 Episode 2, "Italian Dream," dives deeper into the tangled relationships and simmering tensions among the guests at the Sicilian White Lotus resort. The episode artfully explores themes of desire, infidelity, and the masks people wear to conceal their true selves.

We see the cracks beginning to show in the seemingly perfect facade of the couples. Harper and Ethan's strained relationship is further exposed, while Cameron and Daphne's seemingly carefree dynamic hints at underlying complexities. The episode also introduces new characters, including the alluring Mia and Lucia, who add another layer of intrigue to the story.

Tanya's storyline takes an interesting turn as she navigates her complicated relationship with Greg and her growing suspicions about his fidelity. Portia's encounter with Albie leads to a surprising connection, but his "nice guy" persona may be hiding a darker side.

The episode's title, "Italian Dream," reflects the characters' longing for escape and fulfillment, whether through romantic encounters, financial gain, or simply a break from their everyday lives. However, the dream quickly turns sour for some, as the characters' true intentions and desires begin to unravel.

"Italian Dream" is a captivating episode that leaves us eager to see how the characters' stories will unfold. The episode skillfully balances humor with darker themes, creating a compelling narrative that keeps us guessing and wanting more.